I think waterfall and moving water photos are probably my favorite subjects. I've taken a lot of them, and they require a great location, good camera and a few basic accessories. But good technique is what will make or break a good waterfall or moving water shot. Here's a short video that will show you how you can shoot this kind of photo and get positive reviews!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJPxYKbqLbU&feature=c4-overview&list=UU8Pksdbj37CdE00kmE7Z1dw
Tip: If you're using a DSLR with video capability, put the camera in live view. After you have composed the shot, change the speed to see how it effects the look of the water. The slower the speed, the softer the water will look. The faster the speed, the more detailed action it will show. Therefore, you can use this method to see how your photo will look in advance of shooting.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
A FEW SAMPLES OF MY LANDSCAPE IMAGES
I haven't posted any of my photos here for a while so thought I'd share some new ones with you. All can be seen in a larger format on my business website, Michael Bluhm Photography at http://www.mbluhmfotos.com (not to be confused with this website, which is mbluhmphotos). All of these photos were taken with my Mamiya medium format film camera.
ALL IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT 2015 MICHAEL BLUHM PHOTOGRAPHY
ALL IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT 2015 MICHAEL BLUHM PHOTOGRAPHY
Thursday, September 17, 2015
IT'S A WONDERFUL WORLD
The BBC has great commercials! Wish our networks would allow small celebrations of life on a regular basis on our TV like this. Watch this stunning video narrated to the lyrics of What a Wonderful World by David Attenborough.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/auSo1MyWf8g?rel=0
http://www.youtube.com/embed/auSo1MyWf8g?rel=0
Friday, June 12, 2015
TOMMY EMMANUEL U.S. CONCERT DATES & TICKETS
Tommy Emmanuel, CGP, is coming to my home town! As far as I know, this is the first time he's been to Colorado. Of the 8 stops in the U.S., he is scheduled to stop in Boulder and Colorado Springs on November 5th and 6th, respectively.
If you're unfamiliar with this guitar player, you can browse this blog, as I have posted several of his concert videos through the years. I won't go into his life history except to say he has been playing the guitar since he was a kid and was a close friend of Chet Atkins. Chet awarded Tommy the honor of CGP, which stands for Certified Guitar Player. Tommy is a great guitarist, song writer, and performer. To find out more about him, join his fan club or purchase concert tickets, follow the link below.
http://tommyemmanuel.com/fan-club/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_term=na&utm_content=Fans_geo-no_NorthAmerica&utm_campaign=TommyEmmanuel_itsnevertoolate_organicpresale2
Thursday, April 30, 2015
ATOM BOMB by THE STRIKE
You might recognize this song from a video that went viral a while back. That video featured the "longest dance treadmill performance" with this song, "Atom Bomb" performed by The Strike, of Utah.
I found the group in a video of them singing the song and share it here. If you like music that's upbeat and gets your blood flowing, you'll love Chris Crabb's energetic singing! I honestly can't understand why they haven't appeared on late night TV yet! They are too good to be ignored.Watch and listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui-_IUylvoA
Update: I think I figured out why this band doesn't have the visibility they deserve. Turns out there are several bands who have the name "The Strike", including one hailing from Chicago and one that doesn't exist anymore, that is British, simply known as "Strike". There could be others, but I honestly don't understand how this can legally happen!
I found the group in a video of them singing the song and share it here. If you like music that's upbeat and gets your blood flowing, you'll love Chris Crabb's energetic singing! I honestly can't understand why they haven't appeared on late night TV yet! They are too good to be ignored.Watch and listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui-_IUylvoA
Update: I think I figured out why this band doesn't have the visibility they deserve. Turns out there are several bands who have the name "The Strike", including one hailing from Chicago and one that doesn't exist anymore, that is British, simply known as "Strike". There could be others, but I honestly don't understand how this can legally happen!
Monday, April 27, 2015
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR TAKING GREAT MOUNTAIN LAKE REFLECTIONS
I love the scenic combination of a majestic mountain and its reflection in the lake in front of it! Add a sky with colored clouds from a sunrise or sunset, properly composed and exposed, and you have what is technically called a "keeper". Below is an example of one of my own images. It's from the Alta Lake Campground near Telluride, Co. of Mt. Palmyra and Alta Lake. Check out the article from Digital Photography School on how to get yourself a keeper when you're camping near a mountain and lake. http://digital-photography-school.com/9-tips-for-photographing-mountain-lake-reflections/
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
TAX TIME AGAIN
Last year I posted a tongue-in-cheek statement about being so proud of myself that I had finally gotten around to printing up my tax forms (www.mbluhmphotos.com/2013_03_01_archive.html).
This year, I waited until the last moment again because I really hate pulling out all of my records and categorizing them between medical prescriptions, medical doctors, travel, business expenses, etc. By the time I had added up everything on my Itemized Deductions, I had enough to deduct all of the tax owed to the point where the total was a large, negative number.
I was thinking, "Man, I'm going to get the biggest tax refund of my life!" Then I thought again. I realized, that since I'm now retired and not working for anyone but myself, I no longer have any withholding tax to report and that, my friends, is the stuff that refunds are made of (other than earned income credits which I don't qualify for).
So, I guess I'm going to have to get used to no refunds now. Refunds are, of course, just money that was yours to begin with that the government, through the ends and outs of the income tax return, has calculated that it will allow you to receive back; just a year-long savings account. The good news is that I don't have to pay any additional tax! Yay!
This year, I waited until the last moment again because I really hate pulling out all of my records and categorizing them between medical prescriptions, medical doctors, travel, business expenses, etc. By the time I had added up everything on my Itemized Deductions, I had enough to deduct all of the tax owed to the point where the total was a large, negative number.
I was thinking, "Man, I'm going to get the biggest tax refund of my life!" Then I thought again. I realized, that since I'm now retired and not working for anyone but myself, I no longer have any withholding tax to report and that, my friends, is the stuff that refunds are made of (other than earned income credits which I don't qualify for).
So, I guess I'm going to have to get used to no refunds now. Refunds are, of course, just money that was yours to begin with that the government, through the ends and outs of the income tax return, has calculated that it will allow you to receive back; just a year-long savings account. The good news is that I don't have to pay any additional tax! Yay!
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
GREAT WHITE SKY
With nearly a foot of snow in my yard and 20 degree temperature outside, my thoughts are wandering to warm, sunny days a few years ago when I vacationed at Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu, Hawaii. One of the photos I took of the beach turned out to reveal more than I expected.
Look closely at the clouds and you should see the remarkable shape of a great white shark, complete with large snout, sharp teeth, eye, and fins - just as if he was swimming above the water in the sky! (The photo was not doctored in any way except to increase contrast.)
Look closely at the clouds and you should see the remarkable shape of a great white shark, complete with large snout, sharp teeth, eye, and fins - just as if he was swimming above the water in the sky! (The photo was not doctored in any way except to increase contrast.)
Thursday, February 19, 2015
FIVE IMPORTANT LESSONS
I ran across an old email I once received. The author is unknown, but I feel it's worthy of passing along:
1. First Important Lesson - Acknowledge Others
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and I had breezed through the questions until I read the last one. The last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello". I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
2. Second Important lesson - Offer Your Services to Those In Need:
One night at 11:30 pm, an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."
Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole
3. Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve:
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
4. Fourth Important Lesson - The obstacle in Our Path:
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the King's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
5. Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When It Counts:
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?" Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.
1. First Important Lesson - Acknowledge Others
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and I had breezed through the questions until I read the last one. The last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello". I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
2. Second Important lesson - Offer Your Services to Those In Need:
One night at 11:30 pm, an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."
Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole
3. Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve:
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
4. Fourth Important Lesson - The obstacle in Our Path:
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the King's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
5. Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When It Counts:
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?" Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.
Friday, February 13, 2015
WORDS AND SONGS FOR VALENTINES DAY
As many people who know me will attest, I am a "hopeless romantic". Valentines Day is just 24 hours away and I'd like to offer up a gift to my family, friends, and followers in the way of words and music. To a lot of people, one of the most famous group of words describing love is often repeated to show one's love for others. But how many of you actually know it's origin? Below is a quote:
"Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offense. Love keeps no score of wrongs; does not gloat over other men's sins, but delights in the truth. There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, and its endurance.....In a word, there are three things that last forever; faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of them all is love." Source: The Holy Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, verses 4-13.
I've chosen three songs I hope you will enjoy listening to. The first one is by Sir Paul McCartney, My Valentine. You'll recognize the lead guitarist. It's Joe Walsh. A beautiful song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wxdtq1NpGI
The second song is an oldie-but-goodie and one of my favorites. It's All In the Game, sung by Tommy Edwards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtizr2G_7Bk
The last song I've posted on this blog before. It's a song my parents purchased on a 78 rpm record and it's sung by Britain's famous lady, who sang encouraging words for the troops during WWII. That would be Dame Vera Lynn, and the song is If You Love Me, Really Love Me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZYiSVx8yWk&list=RDnZYiSVx8yWk
I hope you enjoy listening to these great songs. Happy Valentines Day!
"Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offense. Love keeps no score of wrongs; does not gloat over other men's sins, but delights in the truth. There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, and its endurance.....In a word, there are three things that last forever; faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of them all is love." Source: The Holy Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, verses 4-13.
I've chosen three songs I hope you will enjoy listening to. The first one is by Sir Paul McCartney, My Valentine. You'll recognize the lead guitarist. It's Joe Walsh. A beautiful song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wxdtq1NpGI
The second song is an oldie-but-goodie and one of my favorites. It's All In the Game, sung by Tommy Edwards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtizr2G_7Bk
The last song I've posted on this blog before. It's a song my parents purchased on a 78 rpm record and it's sung by Britain's famous lady, who sang encouraging words for the troops during WWII. That would be Dame Vera Lynn, and the song is If You Love Me, Really Love Me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZYiSVx8yWk&list=RDnZYiSVx8yWk
I hope you enjoy listening to these great songs. Happy Valentines Day!
Sunday, January 18, 2015
TAKING PICTURES OF WINTER'S WONDERLAND
Here's an article from Digital Photo Magazine which gives advice on how to contend with high contrast caused by all that brightness of snow. Meredith Winn covers everything from how to overcome the camera meter's confusion trying to compensate for the brightness to processing the shots you took afterwards.
http://dpmag.com/how-to/shooting/winter-wonderland?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Apps%20For%20Travelers&utm_campaign=DPeNL_011415
http://dpmag.com/how-to/shooting/winter-wonderland?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Apps%20For%20Travelers&utm_campaign=DPeNL_011415
Thursday, January 15, 2015
CHECK OUT THESE VINTAGE CAMERAS!
Camera collectors like John Kratz will appreciate this link provided by Messynessy. Values of the cameras are not given, but I imagine some are rather steep. http://www.messynessychic.com/2015/01/14/its-time-for-show-and-tell-with-the-vintage-camera-collection-you-always-wanted/
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